It is one of the biggest annual festivals in the mid-Atlantic Region and the Greater Baltimore church is not only playing a major role in this year’s event but welcoming you to join in on the fun!

The African American Heritage Festival (AAHF) Foundation in partnership with Greater Baltimore Church of Christ (GBCOC) invites you to celebrate the 8th annual African American Heritage Festival, July 3-5, 2009. This 3-day singles & family-focused culture fest typically draws approximately 500,000 people from Maryland, Washington, Virginia and other neighboring states and features a wide array of entertainment and activities.

Doug Lambert, Senior Evangelist, and Tony Martin, Artistic Worship & Encouragement (A.W.E.) Ministry Director of the Greater Baltimore Church of Christ, saw the importance of the church taking a more active role in the community and formed a working partnership with the AAHF Foundation in 2008. GBCOC’s focus in serving at this year’s festival is to assist in general planning and promotion, coordinate the mass Sunday worship service, and kick-off the AAHF Talent Contest.

Entertainment
AAHF has a history of showcasing amazing talent. Past performers include Patti Labelle, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Erykah Badu, India Arie, Brian McKnight, Faith Evans, Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, and LL Cool J. This year local and national entertainers will perform each day of the event (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) on two stages. Invited artists include Mary J. Blige, Teena Marie, En Vogue, and Raheem DeVaughn.

GBCOC’s Tony Martin, in consultation with AAHF Foundation chairman, LaRian Finney, birthed the concept of a talent contest to showcase up & coming artists. It will be the first time AAHF has ever featured such an event during the festival. Interested artists will need to select a song that is inspirational, profanity free, and family friendly and submit a 30-second to 3-minute audition video on or before May 31st, 2009. The talent contest is centered on theme of “Faith, Hope and Family”. Ten finalists will be selected with the help of a public online voting process and the first place winner will, in addition to other prizes, have the opportunity to perform as the opening act for the main stage concert on Saturday, July 5th. Additional talent contest information will soon be available at www.aahf.net.

Fun Stuff to Do
Although the weekend is about celebrating the history, culture, heritage and arts of African Americans, all visitors are welcome and guaranteed a unique cultural experience. There will be three pavilions devoted to financial literacy, health and wellness, the arts, history, education, and career/employment. A special children and young adult area will feature a 100,000 sq. ft. carnival, special entertainment, activities, and direct services (health and wellness, financial literacy, etc.).

The Place to Be
The AAHF will be held in downtown Baltimore at M&T Stadium, home of NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. The stadium is adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards (home of the Baltimore Orioles) and within walking distance to Baltimore Light Rail and the many restaurants, museums and shops located along the historic Inner Harbor, one of the largest seaports in the United States. Reduced rates (3-night stay for the price of 2) are currently being finalized for the Marriot Inner Harbor Hotel and will be announced shortly.

All this and more for HOW MUCH?!?
$5. Yes, five dollars! There will be a $5.00 charge for general admission or $12.50 for a 3-day weekend pass. All children under the age of 12 are free. There will also be limited VIP Seating. “Any event of this size and impact would have a minimum $35.00 per day fee attached,” says LaRian Finney, AAHF Foundation chairman. It is the goal of AAHF Foundation to keep festival admission costs low so that as many families and generations as possible can participate.

Whether you are looking for a family vacation that won’t break the bank or already planning to be in the area attending the DC Regional Christian Church Singles 4th of July Weekend, the 2009 African American Heritage Festival is a great, fun and inexpensive way to spend your holiday weekend. To learn more about volunteering for AAHF with the Greater Baltimore Church of Christ, visit www.GBCOC.net.